Firefighters from west central Texas are making some headway in their attempt to contain a massive wildfire affecting Eastland, Brown, Comanche and several other counties. Officials on Saturday estimated the fire was about 15% contained.
The Eastland Complex fire has covered more territory than any other wildfire in Texas history. It's estimated at 45,383 acres. The previous record was the Bastrop County complex fire in 2011, which covered 34,356 acres.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited Eastland on Friday to survey the damage. He also met with local officials and signed a disaster declaration for 11 counties.
"We know that there have been at least 50 homes that have been lost," the Governor said. "As we learn more in the coming days, we find more homes or other structures that will be identified as being lost."
One death is being blamed on the wildfires. Eastland County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Barbara Fenley was going to check on someone as part of the evacuation effort when her vehicle was surrounded by smoke and she ran off the road. Governor Abbott has ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in Eastland County in her honor.
"We will never forget her sacrifice, and the state will continue to work closely with first responders and local leaders to mitigate these fires and support our communities as they recover," Gov. Abbott said.
Texas Gov. Governor Abbott and Texas Department of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd in Eastland discussing a severe fire.Texas Department of Emergency Management
Several shelters have been set up for people who have lost their homes or who have been forced to evacuate because of the fires. Those are at the First Baptist Church of Eastland at 405 S Seaman Street, the River of Life Church at 1247 E Main Street in Eastland, the Myrtle Wilks Community Center on the I-20 frontage road in Cisco and the Gorman Community Center at 118 South Kent Street.
The Texas Cattle Exchange in Eastland is serving as a temporary animal shelter and supplying hay and feed.
Several volunteer organizations are stationed at Siebert Elementary at 100 Little Maverick Trail in Eastland. Volunteers who arrive in the area are being urged to register there.
Helicopter flying near Eastland fire in Texas.Texas A&M Forest Service
Many of the homes that were destroyed by the fire were in the small town of Carbon.
"As those of you who have been down there and seen, it's devastating," said Eastland County Judge Rex Fields. "The area between Carbon and Gorman looks like it did when I was a kid and it was just all peanut land. The vegetation is gone, it looks like some kind of lunar landscape. It's devastating."
State officials predict it will take a lot of resources for the town to recover.
"It will be a big effort, especially in the community of Carbon," said Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd.
Firefighters from Dallas, McKinney and several other departments are in the region as part of a state task force to assist local firefighters as they attempt to bring the wildfires under control.
"We are not out of danger yet for our high-hazard fire risk," said Eastland Fire Chief Joe Williamson, "so we just ask that the community take sincere caution in your outdoor activities and practice fire safety."
